How and When to Install and Auxiliary Electric Fan
Cars

How and When to Use an Auxiliary Electric Fan: Know the Answer in this Post

A belt-driven fan is one of the most important components of your engine. It has the primary function of cooling and hence, prevention of overheating. Nonetheless, there are many instances wherein this primary fan is not enough, especially if you often get stuck in traffic or if you live in a place that is extremely hot. This is where the use of an auxiliary fan enters the picture.

In a nutshell, an auxiliary fan supplements the airflow and cooling that is provided by the belt-driven fan. It will be essential in drawing the extra air that is needed by the engine, especially when you are moving slowly. With this, if you are interested to know how and when to use an auxiliary fan, read the rest of this post and I have the answer that you are looking for.


What You Will Need to Follow this Tutorial

To start with the installation of an auxiliary fan, make sure that the following materials are ready:

  • Measuring tape
  • New auxiliary fan
  • Wires
  • Nylon bolt
  • Speed nut

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install an Auxiliary Fan

  • The first thing that you have to do is to measure the radiator. By doing this, you will be aware of how much space is available. In turn, this makes it easier to choose the right fan, making sure that its size is appropriate for the radiator.
  • Based on the measurements that you have taken, you can now proceed in shopping for an auxiliary fan. See to it that it is made from high-quality materials and that it is from a reputable manufacturer.
  • Provided that you have no old auxiliary fan that is installed, you can now proceed to the installation of the new one.
  • Position the fan in front of the radiator. Having it connected will depend on the fan that you have. In most cases, you will have a nylon bolt and speed nut that should be pushed to the back of the fan.
  • If there is an auxiliary transmission cooler that is already installed, you might need to have it repositioned. This is necessary to make sure that the fan will be facing the radiator directly.
  • Wire the fan into the vehicle. This will provide the fan with the power that it needs to operate and direct airflow where it is needed. Connect the black wire to the positive terminal and the red to the negative.

The short video below presents a visual summary of the things that have been mentioned above:


When to Use an Auxiliary Fan

For those who do not know a lot about cars, I am sure that many of you are wondering when an auxiliary fan is necessary. If you do not know how it works and what it does, you might instantly think that it is an unnecessary cost. On the other hand, if you are familiar with its benefits, you will realize that this is a must-have.

There are many situations wherein you will find the need to use an auxiliary fan and one would be when you experience overheating frequently. Your engine is overheating because of the lack of air that circulates. One remedy to this issue is having an auxiliary fan to provide the cooling effect that is needed.

Another situation that warrants the need for the installation of an auxiliary fan is when you often get stuck in traffic or when you are driving slowly. In such instances, there is no air that is pushed through the engine because of the slow movement of a car. With an auxiliary fan, there will be air to cool down the engine.


Pro Tips

It is not enough that you follow the right steps in the installation of the auxiliary fan. Keep these things in mind for an assurance that it will deliver an optimal performance:

Auxiliary Electric Fan

Via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZdY8hJbLz0

  • When you are looking for a new auxiliary fan, stay away from one that comes with a fully-shrouded design. If there are shrouds in front of the radiator, which is where the fan will be installed, it can block airflow.
  • To hit two birds with one stone, you might want to consider the possibility of installing a cooler transmission that comes with an integrated electric fan. This will allow you to move the heat source to a place other than the front of the radiator.
  • When installing an auxiliary fan, pay attention to your safety. See to it that the car is parked in an open space with a flat surface. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down for a few minutes before you start to work.
  • Pay attention to the routine care and maintenance of your auxiliary fan. It can be prone to dust, debris, gunk, and other external elements that can affect its performance. Clean it regularly so that it can provide optimal cooling.

On the other hand, here are some of the tips that you have to know to prevent overheating:

  • Always be prepared for the worst, especially when going for long drives. It is good to have a coolant and water ready in the trunk, which can help to cool down the engine immediately and prevent worse problems.
  • Another simple solution to overheating is to open the hood as soon as possible. Allow the heat to disperse rather than trapping it in the hood. Park your car in a shaded area before you do this.
  • Inspect the hoses and see if there are leaks, which is one of the possible reasons why the engine might have overheated.
  • Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If you can see that it is already getting hot, act quickly. If you act too late, the engine will overheat. This is one of the classic examples of prevention is better than cure.
  • Replacing the battery might also be necessary, especially if it is older than three years. It may be unable to supply the power needed by the car, making it exert more effort and, hence, overheating.

Conclusion

In this short guide, I have briefly discussed how and when to use an auxiliary electric fan. As noted, installation is necessary if you experience overheating a lot and if you often drive slow or get stuck in traffic. The fan can supplement the airflow that is needed to keep the radiator and the engine cool.

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